Exams get underway at schools across Scotland

Over 132,000 pupils across Scotland are preparing for their National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher exams.

The tests start on April 25, with papers for computing science and psychology, and end on May 30 with exams for care.

Over two million exam papers will be distributed across the 480 test sites around the country.

Candidates will also be getting to the end of National 1 to 4 courses, QA Awards, Skills for Work courses, National Progression Awards and National Certificates.

In total, more than 147,000 people will be expecting their results on August 5.

Donna Stewart, Scotland’s chief examining officer and director of Qualifications Development at SQA, said: “I would like to wish the best of luck to everyone throughout Scotland who is about to sit exams and complete assessments in the coming weeks.

As you move towards the next step in your education, training, or employment, this is your opportunity to show what you’ve learned after months of hard work.”

John Booth, SQA Interim chief executive, added: “I want to thank teachers and lecturers across the country for their dedication in supporting learners to get to this important milestone.

“I’m also grateful to the many thousands of them who work with us to set, invigilate and mark exams and assessments.

“The teaching profession is at the heart of delivering our qualifications and will have an even stronger role in the work of Qualifications Scotland.”

Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth said: “I would like to wish all pupils and students the best of luck with their exams this year.

“I know how hard they will have been working towards their qualifications during the year to get to this point today.

“This is also a big moment for all the parents, carers, teachers, lecturers and support staff who have done so much to help our young people prepare, and I would like to thank them all for their ongoing support and encouragement throughout this period.”